“It came a day after it was announced he would be the team captain in Glasgow.

“He was in the final preparations and was about to fly into Glasgow from Portugal for the Games.

“He was contacted on Tuesday and notified of the formal charge against him.

“He has responded to that initial letter which he had 24 hours to do.

“He requested the B sample and then a hearing to be convened which is unlikely to happen before September to allow a case to be made.”

Newman admitted it would have a negative effect on Welsh Athletics and the Team Wales Commonwealth Games squad, adding: “It is a massive blow for athletics in Wales and this is not something we ever envisaged, It’s devastating for the sport.

“There is going to be an impact today but the athletes are very professional and will focus on what they have to do next week.

“Rhys was a major medal contender and it’s just another piece of bad news to other athletes that have dropped out through injury and accreditation issues like Fred Evans.